Actor Terrence Howard is fighting allegations of domestic violence after his estranged wife was granted a restraining order against the star. Michelle Ghent filed divorce papers in February, just weeks after the couple celebrated its first wedding anniversary.

On Tuesday morning, Ghent was granted a restraining order against the Iron Man star by a Los Angeles judge after she claimed that he beat her throughout their short-lived marriage.

In papers obtained by TMZ.com, she accuses Howard of hitting her in the face and chipping her tooth with his wedding ring.

Howard also filed legal papers, denying he had ever been violent towards his one-time partner and accusing her of threatening to “release private materials” for her “own financial gain”.

Howard is banned from approaching or contacting his ex until their next appearance in court.